BasicB Posted June 13, 2011 Share Posted June 13, 2011 I attended an urban garden/chicken raising seminar this weekend and have a few concerns about the cube . . . hopefully some of you can provide insight. I live in Denver Colorado - our winters are seldom severe, however we typically will have a few days (or spells) of very cold weather between 0 and 20 degrees (F). Otherwise, our winters are fairly mild but generally at or just below freezing at night. It was suggested in the class that all coops have a light (ranging between 65 and 250 watt) to warm the coop in winter. Is this necessary for 3 larger hens (Barred Rock, Buff O, and a Black Star) in a cube? Also, it was said that the birds will need adequate daytime shelter when weather is extreme (with access to their food and water). Obviously the inside of the Cube is too small to temporarily house food and water . . . so, any thoughts? Otherwise, I'd have to leave the door open during a very cold day so they could go out to eat/drink. FYI, we're buying a Cube with a 6ft run (total, 9ft) . . . which I think is enough space for them to roam. We will also let them out in our backyard occasionally but only when we can supervise. Thank you for reading this long post. We're new to this and I want to make sure we're doing our best for our future birds. =) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted June 13, 2011 Share Posted June 13, 2011 I personally wouldnt try to heat the coop or run I'd probably put a clear tarpaulin/plastic over the top and all the way down both sides leaving the end free but be prepared to partially cover that too if necessary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 13, 2011 Share Posted June 13, 2011 I'd do the same - the omlet housing is insulated with double cell walls, so stays pretty warm in the winter. the run of my cube is covered as Redwing has described, with a glass clear market stall tarpaulin. They will need a waterproof cover over the run to keep the litter dry. That ought to be sufficient, we had a pretty cold time last winter and mine were fine; do bear in mind that they have a much higher body temp than ours - 105deg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 13, 2011 Share Posted June 13, 2011 I wouldn't heat the run. We had a pretty harsh winter here last year, by UK standards, with the weather regularly below -10 degrees C, and my hens were fine in their CUbe and Eglus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mum-2-olly Posted June 13, 2011 Share Posted June 13, 2011 (edited) Have you heard of a soil warming cable? they are about £15 english pounds and safe to use. either run the cable under the soil or in the cube itself covered with lots of shavings and straw. Edited June 13, 2011 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 13, 2011 Share Posted June 13, 2011 I have heard of them, they are used for reptiles. However, there's absolutely no need to heat the housing or run in this country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BasicB Posted June 13, 2011 Author Share Posted June 13, 2011 I have heard of them, they are used for reptiles. However, there's absolutely no need to heat the housing or run in this country. Given that, my guess would be that we would not need to heat run/cube in Denver, CO, US. Perhaps a nice clear tarp as previously suggested when it gets very cold. Thanks, everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mum-2-olly Posted June 13, 2011 Share Posted June 13, 2011 I have heard of them, they are used for reptiles. However, there's absolutely no need to heat the housing or run in this country. my girls are (new!) and in a wooden coop, do you think they insulate as much as an eglu? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted June 13, 2011 Share Posted June 13, 2011 It depends - there are wooden coops and then there are wooden coops. A well designed wooden coop made from good quality materials will keep your hens perfectly warm in the coldest British winter. Now they may baulk at stepping onto snow but that's because it's different and therefore absolutely terrifying! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
